7 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon

Lebanon. At least 7 people were killed and some others injured in Israeli airstrikes and military operations in southern Lebanon on Saturday. According to local health and government sources, the attacks took place in various villages, where houses, vehicles, and civilian structures were also damaged.

During this, the Israeli army demolished a part of a Catholic convent in the village of Yaroun near the border using a bulldozer. The convent had been vacated earlier, and two nuns who were there due to the war had also been displaced.

Israel has stated that this operation is part of an campaign to destroy Hezbollah-related infrastructure, claiming that rockets were fired from that location towards Israel in the past. The Israeli army also stated that further damage was stopped after they learned that the building was a religious institution.

However, Lebanon's Catholic Church has denied these claims, stating that the place was used entirely for religious, educational, and humanitarian purposes. Church representatives have strongly objected, saying the accusation that religious sites were used for military purposes is false.

Meanwhile, tension continues between Israel and the armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon, although a ceasefire has been announced to be in effect since April 17. However, attacks and counter-attacks between both sides in the border area have not stopped. The Israeli army claims to have targeted Hezbollah's infrastructure and fighters in about 50 airstrikes in the last 24 hours.

In addition, residents of 9 villages in southern Lebanon have been warned to vacate immediately citing security reasons, which has created further fear and displacement among the local population.